Hughes fears the clubs will be reluctant to release players

Uefa has postponed Wales' Euro 2004 match against Serbia & Montenegro until 20 August because of current security fears in Belgrade.

That is a designated international friendly date, but Hughes wants it changed to a full competitive date.

Hughes would then be able to enforce Fifa's rule which prevents players from playing for their clubs four days before an international.

He was prevented from enforcing the four-day rule before last November's mid-week qualifier against Azerbaijan because the fixture fell on a friendly date.

Robbie Savage missed the game after picking up an injury in Birmingham's match on the Sunday.

Team news: Wales v Azerbaijan

Hughes is desperate to avoid a repeat that situation.

"I hope Fifa will look at the situation and understand that it is not of our own making," said Hughes.

"Hopefully they can address that, but they have made a rod for their own backs in a way by not thinking this rule through.

"Now these situations are arising and I just hope it can be sorted.

"It is the first day of the Premiership season on the Saturday, then we play on the Wednesday. So it's not ideal."

Hughes realises that some Premiership matches will be switched to the Sunday to suit television commitments.

"Unless Fifa are able to help us out, it means we are at the mercy of the television companies," Hughes admitted.

Uefa seems to be sympathetic to Wales' needs.

Director of communications Mike Lee said: "We will discuss with Fifa turning this into a full international matchday so that the two associations will have full claim on their players being available."

The Football Association of Wales told the BBC on Thursday that they will keep a close eye on security developments in Belgrade.

A spokesman said the FAW will seek assurances from Uefa a month beforehand that the match is safe to go-ahead.

The country is currently in a state of emergency following the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.